Revanth Reddy blames previous regime for Hyderabad flooding, traffic snarls

A day after facing severe criticism over flooding of many streets and massive traffic jams following a short spell of rain in the city, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy resorted to his favourite theme, that of holding the previous government responsible for hardships faced by the people.

Interestingly, even after two-and-a-half years of the Congress government’s rule and holding the Municipal Administration and Urban Development portfolio, he admitted that a spell lasting just two hours had left the streets flooded and disrupted traffic. For travelling one km, it took people two to four hours, he said.

The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Future City Development Authority (FCDA) office here on Wednesday. He said branding Hyderabad as a global city was not enough. Infrastructure and civic amenities must match international standards, he stated.

Tall claims were made about robust development in the last 10 years and an acre was sold for Rs. 100 crore. They should explain the reasons for



traffic jams and who was responsible for flooding of streets, he asked.

Revanth Reddy alleged that large-scale encroachments of lakes, nalas (drains) and public parks, along with permissions for unauthorised constructions, had disrupted the city’s natural drainage system.

According to him, rainwater flowed into roads and residential colonies instead of draining into water channels and rivers because of these encroachments.

“A few influential people occupied lands in Gandipet and Himayathsagar and efforts are being made to clear such encroachments,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister defended the demolition of unauthorised structures, saying the government was acting to prevent long-term damage to the city’s environment and infrastructure.

“Did I or any cabinet Ministers offer an inch of land to anyone? We are rejuvenating rivers and boosting lake economy by permitting vegetable, milk and other stalls at the lakes,” Revanth Reddy said.